Outer Hebrides

THe OuTeR HebRiDeS

Perched on Scotland’s western edge and surrounded by the powerful waters of the Atlantic ocean, Th e Outer Hebrides is a family of 12 Inhabited islands, inter-connected by causeway and ferry.

Each individual island has its own personality and landscape, and together they form 200-mile chain of beaches, moorlands and mountains. Th e islands share a strong Gaelic tradition, which permeates all aspects of island life - music, croft ing, weaving and church - with Gaelic still widely spoken at home, on the ferry or in the bar.

Th e islands come alive in the spring, following the dramatic winter storms. Lambs and calves begin to appear in the landscape and the machair fl owers fi ll the meadows with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.

Begin your journey in Barra & Vatersay, and kayak around Kisimul Castle, the ancient stronghold of Clan MacNeil, catch a ceilidh at Vatersay Hall or sail through the Mingulay arch

Take a tour through Uist, from Eriskay to Berneray, taking in six islands all joined by causeways. Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ride horseback on the beach, and go seal-spott ing.

Crossing the waters to Harris, kitesurf on Luskentyre or paddle board on Huisinis and then head into the hills to see the eagles soar

Finish up in Lewis and go for a surf-lesson on the expanses of Eoropie beach, or a whale-watching cruise out of Stornoway harbour, catch a concert at An Lanntair arts centre or learn about the mystery behind the Uig Chessmen, featured in Harry Pott er.

For an unforgett able experience take a boat trip out to St Kilda, one of Scotland’s six world heritage sites to witness the soaring stacks, seabird colonies and abandoned cott ages and schoolhouse.

Don’t forget to pop into one of the islands’ smokehouses to taste the delicious smoked salmon, or for a real taste of island life, track down a ceilidh and savour a gin or whisky from one of our four distilleries.

Th e Outer Hebrides are not to be rushed. Slow down and soak it all in.

www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk

oUTEr HEBrIDES

HAND PICKED

Top things to see, do and experience

CAlANAIS STANDING SToNES This atmospheric stone circle, has a reputation as Scotland’s Stonehenge, and as the inspiration for Craigh na Dun in the Outlander books. Mull over the various theories about the origins of this 5000-year-old neolithic monument while refueling at the visitor centre cafe.

calanais.org HArrIS TWEED Protected by Act of Parliament and every metre, woven to this day by hand, in the home of an islander and bearing the distinctive orb trademark. Some weavers provide demonstrations and welcome visitors to watch them at work. The Harris Tweed exhibition in Stornoway Town Hall reveals the secrets of this world-famous cloth.

harristweed.org

BArrA BEACH lANDING in barra, the airport isn’t close to the beach, it is on the beach. This is the only scheduled beach landing anywhere in the world. A truly unique Hebridean adventure BEACHES The islands boast a string of white sand beaches that rival many found in the tropics. everyone has their favourite from eoropie in the north to vatersay in the south. And with over 40 to choose from, there is plenty of space for everyone. GIN & WHISKY The Outer Hebrides went almost 200 years without a single (legal) distillery. Now we are making up for lost time with four (and more being planned). Compare our trio of gins - the isle of Harris Gin, barra Atlantic Gin and Downpour, the new kid on the block from North Uist to fi nd your own favourite island tipple.